Road

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING: PRO Vibe Stem (Alloy) Recall Notice

18 May 2023

End User Release

Figure 1: PRO Vibe Stem (Alloy) affected by recall.

SHIMANO North America Holding Inc. ("SHIMANO"), distributor of the PRO brand, is recalling certain batches of the PRO Vibe Stem (Alloy).

Following the discovery that certain batches can develop cracks in particular conditions, SHIMANO is issuing a stop riding and recall notice on all PRO Vibe Stems (Alloy) sold since May 2020. The products affected by the recall can be identified by the prominent silver 'V' branding on the faceplate of the stem and the forward-facing mounting bolts.

The affected products are:

PRSS0440 Vibe stem SB black 80mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0441 Vibe stem SB black 90mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0442 Vibe stem SB black 100mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0443 Vibe stem SB black 110mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0444 Vibe stem SB black 120mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0445 Vibe stem SB black 130mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0461 Vibe stem SB black 90mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle
PRSS0462 Vibe stem SB black 100mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle
PRSS0463 Vibe stem SB black 110mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle
PRSS0464 Vibe stem SB black 120mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle
PRSS0465 Vibe stem SB black 130mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle
PRSS0450 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black 80mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0451 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black 90mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0452 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black 100mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0453 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black 110mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0454 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black 120mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0455 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black 130mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle
PRSS0471 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black 90mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle
PRSS0472 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black 100mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle
PRSS0473 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black 110mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle
PRSS0474 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black 120mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle
PRSS0475 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black 130mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle

HAZARD

Corrosion can lead to cracks forming in the clamping area of the fork steerer tube (as highlighted in Figure 2).

Figure 2: Cracking can occur in the clamping area of the fork steerer tube.

If the crack is not detected by the user in time, it could grow until complete separation of the stem. If this happens while riding, the user could lose control of the bicycle and fall, posing a risk of injury to the user in a crash.

WHAT TO DO

Cyclists who purchased a PRO Vibe (Alloy) stem should stop riding their bike and follow the procedure below to identify if their stem is affected by this recall.

PRO Vibe Stem (alloy) Sold after May 1st, 2020

Figure 3: Affected models have bolt heads facing back.

Figure 4: Models with bolt heads attached to the front faceplate are not subject to this recall

Spec sizes

Stem length: 80 ~ 130mm / Angle: -10' I Diameter: 1-1/4
Stem length: 90 ~ 130mm / Angle : -17' I Diameter: 1-1/4

Figure 5: 1.Check underside of the stem

Figure 6: 2.If it does not have 'AL7075' marking - The stem is subject to this recall. Contact SHIMANO for replacement or refund.

Figure 7: 3. If it has 'AL7075' marking, remove the front faceplate and check for the two letters stamped on the main body - Refer to the "XX" area for the 2 letters. If the code is - FF/FI/FC/FG/FA/EF/EK/EE/ED/EH. The stem is subject to this recall. Contact SHIMANO for replacement or refund.

REMEDY

Consumers should immediately stop using bicycles with PRO Vibe alloy handlebar stems and take them to the place where purchased or a SHIMANO authorized retailer to determine if the stem on their bike is included in the recall and for a free replacement stem and free installation. CLICK HERE FOR SHIMANO AUTHORIZED RETAILER LOCATOR.

Consumer Contact:

Shimano North America Bicycle at 800-423-2420 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday PT, email at bikeservice@shimano.com or online at https://www.pro-bikegear.com/us/news/ or bike.shimano.com and click on ‘Recalls’ for more information.

(Please note that no other PRO stems, including the Vibe Carbon Stem, are affected by this recall)

This recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada.

SHIMANO would like to reiterate the company's commitment to rider safety and dedication to producing industry leading products. We sincerely apologize for failing to live up to these standards and for any inconvenience caused by the PRO Vibe Stem (Alloy) recall.